Outdoors Column

By Chris Schultz

Big turnout for kids' fishing contest

A foot or more of snow, much needed for the moisture,
but definitely not welcome, hit us hard early last week and made us remember
what winter was all about.

The weather gurus said the storm was the largest dumping
of snow we have gotten since the Halloween blizzard of 1991.

Actually, and although schools across the area were closed
because of it, the storm just didn't seem like a big one, not a memorable
one anyway. It came, left us with a pile of snow, then moved on.

Maybe, and thankfully, it didn't seem like much because
it's the middle of March already and any snow we have or will get the rest
of the season won't last long.

For my part, the melting slop is worse to deal with than
the snow. I'm sure many anglers would agree, because the snow has left
one big mess on our area lakes.

If you're still willing to drive on the lakes, four-wheel-drive
is a must, and if you're walking, high waterproof boots are a good idea.

Reports from around the area have been nil with the only
decent action coming from Howard and Waconia where small sunfish are biting
in good numbers.

On a much brighter note, the kids' fishing contest on
Howard Lake Feb. 27 was a big success. About 159 kids participated in
the event, the fishing was good, each one of them got a jiggle stick, tackle
box with a few jigs inside and, with their parents and other adults, ate
up 500 hot dogs, and four gallons of baked beans.

Trent Zachmann caught the most fish in the 11- to 15-year-old
category, and Jacob Pehl caught the most fish (34 sunnies) in the 5- to
10-year-old category.

Organizers said, aside from a little water on the ice,
the event went great and they are looking forward to next year.

The event, which was free for the kids, was sponsored
by Joe's Sport Shop and the Garden Spot Inn of Howard Lake, Sprint, the
Howard Lake Legion, Sportsmen's Club and Lions Club.

20th annual father/son banquet

The Lester Prairie Sportsmen's Club will host its 20th
annual father/son banquet Friday, March 19 at city hall in Lester Prairie.

Tickets are available from club members and at Ralph's
Oil in Lester Prairie.

Entertainment at this year's event is being provided by
the Wabedo Lake Walruses, a local underwater salvage team. They will be
displaying their underwater diving equipment, and telling those attending
about their underwater exploits.

Raffles and many prize giveaways will be part of the event
which raises money for local outdoor and conservation projects.

Outdoor notes

Officials from the Winsted Sportsmen's Club reported
the DNR Firearms Safety Training Course they teach and sponsor would be
conducted in July this year and not in April as in previous years.

A tentative registration date is set for July 26 at the
Winsted Archery Club in downtown Winsted. Look for more information on
the subject in this column as July approaches.

The 1999 fishing opener is set for Saturday, May 15.
That's only two months away.

Now is the time to head for the lakes in search of late
ice panfish. Fish shallow, be mobile, and always remember to be cautious
on the ice.